Below are some frequently asked questions 
about Havening Techniques™.
If you have any more personal questions, then please contact John Nolan on 0114 2998888 and he will be pleased to answer them.
Is Havening safe?
Yes. There is nothing dangerous involved as Havening techniques utilise our body’s own self-healing mechanisms. The name ‘Havening’ is taken from the word ‘Haven’ which means safe place. Havening puts the brain into a mode where it knows it is safe so that the ‘danger alarm’ response no longer has to keep firing for no apparent reason.
What will I be asked to do?
Typically, you will be asked to briefly recall a certain event or unwanted feeling and hold it in mind for a few seconds, so that we can assess the level of affect is has on you, using a simple 1-10 scale. As soon as that’s done, John will take you through a series of simple distraction exercises (e.g. counting, talking about your favourite places or activities) as Havening touch is applied to the arms, hands or face. The touch can either be done by you or John, depending on your preference. After a few minutes the 1-10 level will be checked again to see how it’s changed. This sequence is repeated until the number goes right down to a level where it no longer causes you any bother.
You will also be shown how to use havening as a self-help technique to use at home when needed in between sessions and in the future.
What if I don’t like it or feel uncomfortable?
John always takes care to go at a pace that’s comfortable for his clients. Most clients are surprised at how pleasant the experience of Havening is. You’ll never be asked or made to do anything against your own will, and you’ll be firmly in the driving seat of the pace of your own session. The sessions are designed for clients to feel safe, supported and in control at all times.
I don’t like talking about things that make me uncomfortable – does that mean Havening isn’t for me?
That’s no problem at all. A havening practitioner doesn’t need to hear all the distressing details of your life in order to help you get free of them. It’s possible to work ‘content free’ – which means that you can hold the specific issue, or memory briefly in mind as the work is being done, rather than describing it all in detail.
I don’t like the idea of being touched by somebody else – does that mean Havening isn’t for me?
That’s also no problem. The Havening touch can be applied by the practitioner or you can apply is for yourself as you’re talked through the process.
I’ve had my problem for many years – ever since I can remember. Does this mean I’m stuck with it?
Havening can help people get rid of traumas that happened 7 minutes ago or 70+ years ago. The process is the same. The challenge for people who have suffered for decades, is that the emotional difficulties will have impacted more areas of their life.
How will I feel afterwards?
Many people feel surprisingly well, calm and relaxed after the sessions. This is because the havening techniques stimulate your brain to produce the natural ‘feel-good-hormones’ that form part of the healing process. A few people might feel a little ‘spacey’ for a short while as their mind re-calibrates after the havening process.
Are there any unpleasant side effects?
Usually the after effects are those of feeling safe and calm for the first time in a long time. However, in rare cases, if somebody has experienced severe traumas, there may be other reactions as their deeply buried traumas clear. These might include: – Release of emotions during the session (anger, crying, etc.); feeling a little ‘spacey’ or light headed or emotionally numb afterwards; Temporary worsening of symptoms or agitation.
Can you guarantee that Havening will work for me?
There can never be ‘cast iron guarantees’ to success with any therapy. Havening is a new science-based way of treating emotional difficulties and we’re still finding out the scope of its usefulness. So far it has helped thousands of people who were struggling with a wide variety of emotional issues.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your situation and how complicated your situation is. Sometimes things can be totally cleared in just one session. We won’t know until we give it a go, we recommend a minimum of two to make sure that the key problems have been cleared and that you feel calmer and happier.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions last for 2 hours. This is to give us enough time for me do the work needed to send you out in a much better state at the end of the session.
Where do the Havening sessions take place?
The private practice room is based in Nether Green, Sheffield. It is also possible to have sessions over Skype if there is a problem getting to a face-to-face appointment.
How can I make an appointment for a Havening session?
Call John Nolan on 0114 2998888
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John Nolan is a certified practitioner of Havening Techniques. Havening Techniques is a registered trade mark of Ronald Ruden, 15 East 91st Street, New York. www.havening.org